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A.K.A.:
At Bulb Man, Inc. we use A.K.A. as an abbreviation for Also Known As.
Alternating Current (AC):
Electron flow that periodically reverses polarity and direction of travel through a circuit.
Ambient Temperature:
Light output of fluorescent lamps depends on ambient temperature which refers to the temperature inside the fixture in the air surrounding the fluorescent lamp.
Ambient Lighting:
The overall general lighting in an area or room.
Ampere:
AKA Amps - A measure of electrical current expressing the rate of flow. In incandescent lamps, the current is related to voltage and power as follows: Watts (power) = Volts x Amps (current).
ANSI (American National Standards Institute):
The independent organization that develops voluntary guidelines and produces performance standards for the electrical and other industries within the United States and serves as a watchdog for standards development and conformity assessment programs and processes.
ANSI Ballast Type:
A reference to the ANSI document describing the lamp which also lists the characteristics of the ballast required to operate the lamp. The following naming system is used: H – mercury lamps; M – metal halide lamps; S – high pressure sodium lamps; L – low pressure sodium lamps
ANSI Codes:
These are 3-letter codes assigned by the American National Standards Institute. They provide a system of assuring mechanical and electrical interchangeability among similarly coded lamps from various manufacturers. General Electric uses the assigned ANSI Codes as lamp ordering codes for most projection lamps.
Arc Tube:
A completely sealed quartz or ceramic tube where an electrical arc occurs and generates light.
Argon:
Inert gas used in incandescent and fluorescent lamp types. In incandescent light
sources, argon retards evaporation of the filament.
Auto Reset Shutdown Circuit:
Circuit senses lamp end life and will automatically shut off power to the lamp(s). When a new lamp is inserted in the socket, the ballast resets, and turns on the lamp automatically. Some shutdown circuits require the power to be cycled before a new lamp will re-light.
Average Rated Life:
An average rating, in hours, indicating when 50% of a large group of lamps have failed, when operated at nominal lamp voltage and current; manufacturers use 3 hours per start for fluorescent lamps and 10 hours per start for HID lamps when performing lamp life testing procedures; every lamp type has a unique mortality curve that depicts its average rated life. For Photo-Optic specialty lamps, average rated life refers to the operating period after which on statistical average, 50% of the lamps will perform within their specified values.
